Prostate cancer among African American men - Essay Example

?Running head: PRO CANCER AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN Pro Cancer among African American men 17th June 2012 Introduction One of the key ailments that have become a major concern in the world is the cancer. Some of the major types of cancer include thyroid cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer among others. Out of the various types of cancer, prostate cancer is a major illness that affects not only the rich but also the low income earners. Despite intensive campaign that is directed to men in order for them to undergo regular medical screening, majority of them are still reluctant resulting to increased cases of deaths caused by prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a major type of cancer that affects the reproductive system of males especially those above the age of 45 years. One of the major factors that make individuals to ignore regular check-ups by medical personnel is that prostate cancer is a slow growing illness. However, there are cases of insistent prostate cancer that results to major complications on the reproductive system. Primary characteristics of prostate cancer include nocturia, blood in the urine, frequent urination and pain during urination among others. The causes of prostate cancer remain unclear. However, studies done by health psychologists indicate that family history, obesity and age are some of the factors that exposes an individual to the disease. Similarly, studies indicate that men with affected brother have a high chance of being infected by the disease as compared to men with affected fathers (Lytton, 2001). Cases of prostate cancer vary across various countries. According to the studies done by American Cancer Society, United States is the most affected country while East and South Asia registers few cases. In the same way, prostate cancer is most common among black men as compared to white men. This paper seeks to discuss medical compliance treatment of prostate cancer among African American men. Prostate Cancer in African-American men As mentioned earlier, African American men are at high risk of contacting prostate cancer. According to the 2003-2007 US medical report, for every 100,000 African American men, 234.6 cases of prostate cancer were reported in US as compared to 150.4 cases per 100,000 white men. Due to the high number of cases of prostate cancer among the African American men, their mortality rate is more than double as compared to the white men. For example, between 2003 and 2007, 54.2 cases of mortality rates were reported for every 100,000 African-American while only 22.3 cases of mortality rates occurred among the white men. In 2001, more than 31,500 deaths due to prostate cancer were reported. Since 2001, at least 221,000 cases of prostate cancer are reported per year (Chronic Disease Indicators, 2012). One of the major obstacles that are affecting the efforts of the medical personnel is lack of early detection guidelines. In the same way, men are hesitant to screening thus making it difficult to curb the diseases during its early stages. In its endeavor to address the challenges faced by the African American men as far as control of prostate cancer is concerned, American Cancer Society, advocates for adoption of two major strategies. First, it recommends that men at the age of 45 years should emulate digital rectal examination (DRE). Secondly, the society recommends for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test for men who are between the ages of 45 and 50 years. Even though a task force that is concerned with prevention services depicts that there is insufficient evidence on the implications of DRE and PSA on the prevention and control of prostate cancer, the task force argues that a strong relationship between doctors and patients should be maintained to ensure that men are interested in undertaking regular screening. Additionally, the task force maintains that PSA is a better strategy of early detection. However, it is still unclear of how early detection improves the health status of a patients. Another body that is concerned with the control of prostate cancer in the world is the National Cancer Institute (NCI). According to NCI, it is not clear on how early detection and screening can reduce the mortality rates of African American men. In the same way, the institute argues that despite the fact that African American men are more prone to prostate cancer; most of the studies and research do not include sufficient number of them thus generating information that is not reliable. According to research done by Charles (2012), African American men have biological aspects that makes them more prone to prostate cancer as compared to their white counterparts. In addition, there are disadvantaged in the sense that they are not exposed to adequate health care that would ensure sufficient and regular screening. Charles (2012) argues that even though PSA level have not been customized on the ground of race or colour, extensive urologic evaluation should be adopted to ensure that African American men who have high level of PSA are provided with sufficient medical assistance. Key aspects that would reduce the risk of prostate cancer among men are a healthy life style that includes regular exercises, low-fat diet, and appropriate body mass index among other factors (Szymanski, 2010). According to Martin (2006) a significant aspect that makes it difficult to address prostate cancer globally is the fact that as compared to women, men are hesitant to seek medical assistance in case a health problem occurs. Additionally, as compared to white men as well as women, African American men do not sufficiently participate in health-related programs regardless of their economic status. Due to lack of participation in self-care programs that are preventive, it makes it difficult for black men to undertake screening and early detection of prostate cancer. Martin (2006) argues that lack of participation in prostate cancer prevention programs by African-American men is due to religious attributes, economic obstacles, lack of access to quality health care, poor education as well as past negative experiences. Based on the fact that most of black men are sensitive to sexual dysfunction, a major implication of prostate cancer, they are hesitant to early detection activities and regular screening thus resulting to more damages in their reproductive systems leading to high rates of deaths and spreading of the diseases. According to Haas and Sakr (1997), black men are hesitant to adopt health related activities and participate in American healthcare program due to the concept of stoicism. According to this concept, black men are unconcerned of discomfort and pain. This makes them not to seek medical services unless it is extremely necessary. In the same way, traditional aspects regarding the roles of men, lack of health insurance, lack of trust on medical practitioners and panic of poor prognosis hinders Africa American men to seek regular prostate cancer screening. Due to lack of participation of black men in health services, most of the researchers are faced with inadequate data that is fundamental during their studies. In their efforts to understand the implication of culture on the health-seeking behaviors of various races including Latinos, Native Americans and Asians researchers have undertaken extensive studies. However, there are insufficient studies of the impact of culture on the health seeking behaviors of black men. This is due to the fact that instead of treating black men as an ethnic group with unique characteristics, majority of researchers treats the black men as a race (Woloshin and Schwartz, 2011). As stipulated by Journal of the National Cancer Institute, even after making adjustments to the prostate cancer risk factors that are suspected or known, African American men are still exposed to high risks of contracting the diseases. In addition, Roper Starch survey that was conducted in 2000 depicted that as compared to white men, African-American men are twice likely to experience side effects that are related to prostate cancer including incontinence. This study indicated a number of possibilities that makes African-American men to experience high cases of prostate cancer as compared to other races (Hansel, 2007). First, nutritional and environment differences may play a significant role. It is worth to note that black men in US and black men in Africa do not portray similar levels of mortality and rates of prostate cancer. Lower levels of vitamin D and genetic factors are major aspects that expose Africa American men to high levels of prostate cancer. Secondly, negative perception of early detection and screening by men makes it difficult to diagnose the disease until it is at the advanced stage. Thirdly, lack of adequate health insurance and poor access to health services makes it difficult for Africa American men to get the vital preventive care. Factors hindering African American men prostate cancer treatment Lack of knowledge According to the studies done on 277 African American men, most of the men were not aware of the risks of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, majority of the men were not aware of the PSA and DRE. Lack of knowledge of the prostate cancer is caused by inadequate health information from health providers and other media such as magazines and newspapers. In this regard, there is need to expand the coverage of various aspects that concerns the health of men. In this way, majority of black men will gain access to the information that would encourage them to undertake regular screening and be aware of proper eating habits that will reduce their chance of getting prostate cancer. Another aspect that makes African American men to have inadequate knowledge of prostate cancer is that their discussion with the health providers as far as prostate cancer is concerned is not understandable. This implies that it is essential for health providers to instigate positive relationship with men in order to ensure that the patients can access adequate information through asking question and seeking for clarification. For example, the studies by Haas and Sakr (1997) indicated that health care providers did not explain the importance of PSA to the men neither did they inform them that they should have PSA. Even though PSA screening has been identified as one of the effective way of detecting prostate cancer during the early stages most African-American men have different perspective. For example, they depict it as providing regular false-positive results, harms as well as biopsies. Competence, quality and caring The studies by Haas and Sakr (1997) indicated that US healthcare system does not effectively consider the health aspects of the African American men. 62.8% believed that they were provided with poor medical services due to their race. Additionally, majority of the men indicated that they were not screened since they were not aware that they need to undergo early detection and screening. To address the challenges caused by prostate cancer among black in US, various researchers and organizations have embarked on undertaking studies to identify the genes that causes prostate cancer. One of the notable organisations that have put efforts to research on prostate cancer is the national human genome research institute (NHGRI). According to NHGRI, alterations of genes referred to as HPC-1 has resulted to one-third of the prostate cancer that is experienced within the families. Additionally, the studies indicate that out of 500 men, one is believed to have a HPC-1 in its altered nature. In the same way, African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer (AAHPC), an organisation that involves physicians and African American scientists undertakes an intensive prostate cancer studies. However, the major reason as to why black men whom father or brother has a prostate cancer has a high chance of contracting prostate cancer remains a mystery. In this regard, there is need for local and international researchers to form a partnership that would ensure adequate information is available to undertake more research. One of the primary aspects that are affecting research on prostate cancer is that it is not caused by a single gene. For example, mutation of genes such as BRCA2 and BRCA1 that are key factors that cause breast and ovarian cancer has also been identified as a cause of prostate cancer. Other genes that have been identified as causes of prostate cancer include vitamin D receptor, androgen receptor, TMPRSS2 and heredity prostate cancer gene 1 (Bostwick et al, 2007). Prostate cancer medications As mentioned earlier, the specific cause of prostate cancer is still unclear to researchers. However, two important drugs that include dutasteride and finasteride have been identified as having a reasonable implication of addressing the diseases. For example, researchers have argued that finasteride reduces prostate cancer by 30% (Hansel et al, 2007). Other medication that is used to reduce a man chance of being infected by prostate cancer is the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Sipuleucel-T was a major vaccine that was approved by FDA in 2010 due to its ability to stimulate immune system of men who were infected with prostate cancer. This means that there is still a gap in the research for more medication that would entirely treat prostate cancer. This implies that researchers have a vital duty to play in order to come up with proper cure of prostate cancer and reduce the death of Africa-American men and other men in the world. Activity 6 Donna, P. (2012).Dandelion gets scientific acceptance as an antioxidant and "novel" cancer therapy. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/035418_dandelion_cancer_therapy_herbs.html. This article indicates dandelion leaf tea significantly reduces the prostate cancer cells as well as other forms of cancer. Additionally, Donna (2012) indicates that leukemia cells were also killed by dandelion root in a process identified as apoptosis. Schoenstadt, D. (2008). An Introduction to Prostate Cancer.http://prostate-cancer.emedtv.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer.html. While Donna (2012) articles covers on the effect of dandelion leaf tea on the various forms of cancers, Schoenstadt (2008) indicates that in 2008 more that 221,000 men where diagnosed with prostate cancer. Similarly, this article argues that three-quarters of men with more than 75 years experience cancerous changes within their prostate glands. Bardot, J. (2012).New studies reveal caffeinated coffee protects against Alzheimer's, diabetes, depression and prostate cancer. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/034779_coffee_caffeine_Alzheimers.html According to this article, regular taking of caffeinated coffee can significantly reduce prostate cancer. Middle-aged and elderly persons are therefore advised to take caffeinated coffee to reduce the chance of developing of prostrate cancer. Mike, A. (2011). Prostate cancer screening has zero benefit, concludes 20-year study. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/031950_prostate_cancer_screening.html This article advocates for PSA test. To reduce the effects of prostate cancer, this article emphasizes that individuals should not rely on false medical advertising that are not essential in curbing the spread of prostate cancer. David, G. (2010). Percent of men survives prostate cancer even without treatment. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/030121_prostate_cancer_treatment.html This article covers on the increased questions from researchers on radiation, surgery and hormones as key methods of treating prostate cancer. Conclusion As discussed above there is need to advocate for black men engagement with healthcare system and more specifically in screening of prostate cancer. Based on the fact that African American men have for a long time been dissuaded from healthcare system, the control of prostate cancer has become a health challenge. One of the key strategies that health providers and the government authorities need to emulate is to remove the disconnectedness of black men from vital information that pertains to the prostate cancer (Klein et al, 2010). In the same way, there is an urgent need to improve the lagging health situation of the African American men by ensuring sustainable relationship between the health care providers and patients. As a result, the problem of in adequate data that is faced by health researchers will be greatly addressed. Due to the complexity that surrounds the causes and prevention of prostate cancer, there is need to avoid ethnicity and racial discrimination when dealing with individuals at risks of prostate cancer. Another imperative aspect that would improve the control and prevention of prostate cancer is the combination of culturally attractive materials, personal-oriented health care services and provision of adequate information. Provision of healthcare information via men magazines, television, newspapers and through social sites is a significant strategy that would improve the knowledge of men as far as prevention of prostate cancer is concerned. In order to reduce the implication of prostate cancer on the health of African American men and other black men, there is need for local and international researchers to utilize the recent technologies in the medical industry to invent new and effective drugs. In the same way, men should be trained on the various way of preventing themselves from prostate cancer. Such training can be done during seminars and forums where men can freely intermingle with local and international healthcare providers. References Bardot, J. (2012).New studies reveal caffeinated coffee protects against Alzheimer's, diabetes, depression and prostate cancer. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/034779_coffee_caffeine_Alzheimers.html Bootlick, David G, Eble, John N. (2007). Urological Surgical Pathology. St. Louis: Mosby. Charles S. (2012. Disparities in prostate cancer in African American men: What primary care physicians can do. Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center 3(2): 6–11. Chronic Disease Indicators. (2012). Chronic Disease Indicators. Available from http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cdi/IndDefinition.aspx?IndicatorDefinitionID=50 David, G. (2010). Percent of men survives prostate cancer even without treatment. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/030121_prostate_cancer_treatment.html Donna, P. (2012).Dandelion gets scientific acceptance as an antioxidant and "novel" cancer therapy. Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/035418_dandelion_cancer_therapy_herbs.html Haas P, Sakr A. (1997). Epidemiology of prostate cancer. New York: Macmillan Publishers. Hansel E, DeMarzo M, Platz A, Jadallah S, Hicks J, Epstein I, Partin W, Netto J. (2007). Early prostate cancer antigen expression in predicting presence of prostate cancer in men with histologically negative biopsies. J. Urol. 177 (5): 1736–40. Klein B, Nguyen T, Saffore L, and Modlin S. (2010). Racial disparities in urologic health care. New York: Macmillan Publishers. Lytton B. (2001). Prostate cancer: a brief history and the discovery of hormonal ablation treatment". The Journal of Urology 7 (3): 16–21. Martin R. (2006). Prostate Cancer: A Major Health Concern for African American Men.Available from http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/aahealth/aaprostate.cfm Mike, A. (2011). Prostate cancer screening has zero benefit, concludes 20-year study . Available from http://www.naturalnews.com/031950_prostate_cancer_screening.html. Schoenstadt, D. (2008). An Introduction to Prostate Cancer.http://prostate-cancer.emedtv.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer.html. Szymanski, M, Wheeler, C, Mucci, A. (2010 ). Fish consumption and prostate cancer risk: a review and meta-analysis. The American journal of clinical nutrition 92 (5): 1223–33. Woloshin, S and Schwartz, A. (2011). Overdiagnosed: Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health. New York: Beacon Press. . Read More